Thursday, January 27, 2011

Just a Spoon Full of Sugar

Isn't that what she sang? You know who I am talking about the nanny of Michael and Jane Banks, the only woman I know that could carry the world in her carpet bag, and more importantly is able to get around in life by an umbrella, while pausing for a moment to sit upon a cloud and take in all of the sights of London. I'm speaking of none other than the intriguing character of Mary Poppins. I loved her as a young girl. I mean really...what young girl didn't. Did she not have the most magical "man friend" Bert? What man do you know can chalk a beautiful scenery that enables you to simply step into and away from it all?
How I wish this fairytale were true. I wonder if this is where the advertisement "Calgon take me away" stems from? Doubtful, but today I am seeing similarities between the two. It's a day when I would give anything to be whisked away by a gust of wind, no worries as I'm dangling from my umbrella. A day when the most juvenile of chalk pictures could take me into the simple yet intriguing mind of one of my three boys. What if the tears I've shed could be the very droplets in our chalked fantasy that teach us to dance in the rain? Better yet, that darn instruction book I've never found could be pulled from my bottomless carpet bag.
Why does it seem, when I've just accomplished what appears to be the tallest mountain, there's another a few yards away that is much steeper and taller than the last? Its sheets of ice, will be forcing me to take the less traveled route. I'm speculating that this is God's way of telling me, "Look at the bright side Muffy, you need the exercise". These new glasses I have are not only allowing me to see what I read, but they have become the windows to my heart and soul. I'm sure of it. For the first time, my heart and soul are seeing the balancing act of a working mother and wife. I applaud those of you who have been doing it for years. I feel so incredibly blessed to have a job that I love. I can't imagine being in these shoes, hating every minute of it. I just can't get a grip on the balancing act. I'm still trying to be the super mom I strive to be, the one the boys know they can count on, as well as the wife and soul mate my husband needs. How do you mommy's do it? What are some of the tricks of the trade? If you can't tell, I wear my heart on my sleeve. Most women won't come out and tell you they feel as though they are failing their loved ones. Most of us want the world to believe all is perfect in our house of glass. Well, mine is not, and I want to know your secrets. I don't want my boys to head down the wrong path in the future, nor do I want my best friend and soul mate to venture because of my weaknesses as a wife.
So here I am, my glass house is broken and life is far from perfect. I'm reaching out to my girlfriends. I'm pretty sure God is sick of listening to me today, and there is not enough wind for my umbrella to whisk me away. All of the spoonfulls of sugar have given me a cavity and it's too cold to chalk. Did I mention that Mary retired? How rude! Right when I am in need of her most ;)?

Sunday, January 9, 2011

Let It Snow

What a week to start off the New Year! I'm in hopes that this past week is not a sign of what's to come over the next 11 months. I've been having some problems with my back for those who don't know. I thought only "old" people went through these kinds of things? Certainly shouldn't be young gals like my self *hee*hee*hee Who am I kidding?
It was another great week at Jury Eye. I am learning tons, and loving it every step of the way. Dr. Jury, his wife and Dr. Blasi are all amazing people. As far as the docs are concerned, I love the fact that I am in an office that actually CARES about their patients well being. Both docs go that extra mile for all of their patients giving each one of them the comfort in knowing they are trustworthy, compassionate and professional physicians. I can't tell you enough how lucky I feel to be given this opportunity. The best part in all of this is knowing that I am taking some of the stress off of Scott's shoulders. What an awesome husband I have to always go the extra mile for this family. He has given me the opportunity to stay home with our boys for all of these years and never did he complain. It's time for me to give back. Lastnight we pulled up at home and were still sitting in the car when he says, "I've been meaning to tell you Thank You." I asked for what? and he replies "For helping me out and getting a job, it means a lot to me." Most woman don't get the chance to stay home with their kiddos, I did, and will be forever grateful to Scott for that chance. I know that this was God's plan all along. Why couldn't I have just seen that. I know it's something that is easier said than done, but to think of all the stress I put myself under trying to find this type of position. He knew the whole time, it's just another good lesson learned for me. I've posted before about how I can't just let things go, giving them fully to God. He's giving me the proof right upside the back of my head hoping that this time I will "get it". :) Jeremiah 29:11 says it best For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. He's not saying that we won't go through life with out pain and hardships. However he is saying that having him in our hearts and knowing him as our savior will ease the pain and the hardships carrying us through to the ending he desires for us. These are words that I need to come to live by.
As this past week comes to an end, it has a terrific ending. I am happy to report that all three boys came home with outstanding grade cards each scoring EXEMPLARY in different areas. Aidyn in math, Axton and Alyjah in reading. We are so incredibly proud of these three boys. Day in and day out I worry that I won't be doing something right for them, or that I am not doing enough. Of course as a mom, I never feel like I am doing enough. As a parent we want to grant them the world. Impossible I know, but hey, what's wrong with setting a higher standard to goals? I still wonder if I got jipped on the instruction manuals for each, but am beginning to believe that the 5 of us will make it through life with out them. No one is perfect and I am going to make mistakes in parenting them. It's comforting to know though, that I have the support I need in Scott and the power of prayer. My boys see this spirit in our home every day, that is what makes them the beautiful young men that they are. We've raised them to be respectful of others, respectful to Scott and I as their parents, and most importantly respectful of themselves. We've tried to teach them to love their own self and not to worry about what they feel are their faults. With strength and courage they will get through anything and with their faith in Christ, the goals that they set for themselves are attainable. I know these boys will go far. Scott and I will be here to guide and nurture them every step of the way. Way to go AXTON, AIDYN AND ALYJAH mom and dad are very proud of you all!

Tuesday, January 4, 2011

New Year, Better at Blogging

After looking over my past blog posts, I couldn't believe that it has been August since I've posted anything. It's not that there hasn't been anything going on...there's been PLENTY. I'm chalking it up to I have been too busy...or something like that, okay laziness. There, I admitted it.
Over the past few months, I've watched my children grow into the most intriguing and beautiful little boys. I keep thinking that as they get older, they will begin to acquire the likeness that most siblings do. Not so much. They are still very night and day of one another. I know this is what makes them who they are. So very different in all things, yet such beautifully loving and eager souls.
Scott and I just celebrated our 15th Christmas together. How amazing is that? I know there are others that have celebrated more, but those couples are few and far between in our generation. I have learned so much this last year about our relationship as husband and wife as well as our individual heart and souls. This act of learning more about myself, my husband, and our relationship is an ongoing course. One that I am proud to say I will never tire of. There isn't a day that passes that I don't learn something new about Scott or myself. When I am not learning I am educating myself on the "hows" and "whys" of our differences and likenesses. God truly blessed me with an amazing husband. Not only has Scott taught me so much about myself but he has taught me to be a better person, mother, friend, daughter and sister. He will never know the impact that his heart and soul have had on my life. No one said that marriage was easy, it is a full time job. If you are like me, its a job that you promised before God. At this job there are no sick days, no vacations, no 401K, and no rest for the weary. It does however, pour over with an education only a spouse can give, the drive to love with a deeper impact than imaginable and a benefit package that wraps your heart for a lifetime. In times of trouble, you work harder, not give up, after all did Jesus give up on us?
As for me, it's a new year with a new beginning. Many doors have opened for me in these past few months and I have no one to thank but the Man above. A year ago this past month I started attending the First Presbyterian Church of Derby. I can honestly say I have found my home for worship. Like a new pair of jeans, it just fits. Perfectly. The last four years were a rough road. I know that nothing is ever easy, but with God in my heart and on my side, the bumps in the road are definitly easier to understand and comprehend why changes happen the way that they do. Instead of always trying to solve all of lifes problems, I take them on in stride. Knowing all the while that they are part of a bigger plan. I had to go through some horrible jobs to find the perfect one. During the trip I made friendships that will last a lifetime. I had to lose friends to regain them and appreciate them as well as myself. It's kind of like the old saying "It's better to have loved and lost then to have lost and never loved". In learning more about myself, I have learned to be a better wife and mother. These two jobs are now what matter most. As it should have always been like this, sadly it wasn't. My blog this morning is a summary of the past few months of my life. The past few months that have made me who I am today. Although I still have so much to learn, the changes that I have made, are making me more eager to see what life has to offer. I'm ready to take the next chapter head on. No looking back, only onward and upward.